Is not net the only figure that really matters?
but we remain a Nat Gas importer
Maybe net, but not entirely. I was recently surprised to learn a significant portion of Haynesville Shale gas is being exported by BG and has saved the Haynesville from shutting down due to low gas demand and low prices.
Is not net the only figure that really matters?
Also, some of the export issues is bottlenecking in the pipeline market. When the gas cannot be moved economically due to limitations in the delivery system, other sources become more economical.
Take a look at the following report. I know it is long and detailed but jump to page 14, Figure 6. This shows where the industry sees the most need to increase ability to move Natural Gas. The biggest expected growth is to get more capacity to move Nat Gas to the Northeast.
Expansion of the U.S. Natural Gas Pipeline Network:
Additions in 2008 and Projects through 2011
http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/natural_gas/feature_articles/2009/pipelinenetwork/pipelinenetwork.pdf